Fleet Commander Phil Jones has presented his Commendations to Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and civilian staff for their outstanding efforts over the past year.
Receiving a Commendation was Carole Dinham, from Plymouth. Mrs Dinham was awarded the Commendation in recognition of her service above and beyond the call of duty, raising more than £100,000 for Naval charities and local good causes. She has also been pivotal in cementing the relationship between the Royal Marines and the communities of Plymouth.
Mrs Dinham has been in the MOD for 39 years, 35 of which have been spent supporting the Royal Marines in Plymouth. Soon after arriving at Stonehouse Barracks some 20 years ago she became a key player in the small team of civil servants organising charity band concerts. She has single-handedly planned, and hosted, five musical concerts a year, the majority of which have featured the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Plymouth.
Receiving her Commendation Mrs Dinham said: “I am delighted to be receiving this Commendation and have really enjoyed my time at Stonehouse where I have had the pleasure of working with so many members of the Royal Marines and had the opportunity to raise money for charity, primarily with the assistance of the Royal Marines Band.”
Commendations were awarded at a ceremony at the headquarters of the Royal Navy, HMS Excellent, in Portsmouth.
Fleet Commander, Admiral Jones, said: “Fleet Commander Commendations are my opportunity to recognise the exceptional dedication and achievement of individuals and teams across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and also by our civilian personnel.
“I am delighted to be able to present these awards today to people who have risen above and beyond what is expected of them and to thank them personally for their contribution.”
Mrs Dinham, 59, who works in Business Continuity Support and is married to Michael, said she was not yet ready to hand over the baton to someone else.
“I am already looking forward to a particularly special event in 2014 to mark the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Marines,” she said.
Next year is the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines on 28 Oct 1664 with many events across the country being held to mark the occasion.
Crown Copyright